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Expert Burn Rate & Fire Train Testing for Readily Combustible Solids

A non-explosible material is not always non-combustible. Many substances can burn vigorously and still pose serious hazards in processing environments. Burn rate and fire train testing evaluates the flammability of solids and determines whether a material qualifies as a readily combustible solid, helping classify it into the appropriate regulatory packing group.

This testing is critical for safety assessments and regulatory compliance, particularly in industries such as aerospace, pyrotechnics, ammunition manufacturing, and material handling, where precise knowledge of solid combustibility is essential.

Burning Rate - Readily Combustible Solids or Flammability of Solids

Testing Principle and Methodology

Standard procedures recommend testing the material as received, in its commercial form. If you are unsure how to prepare a sample, contact Prime Process Safety Center for guidance. Most tests use 100 grams of material.

The burn rate/fire train test follows these steps:

  • The technician forms the sample into an unbroken strip or powder train.

  • During screening, they attempt ignition using a hot flame (≥1000°C).

  • If the material ignites, the lab proceeds to a full burn rate test.

For the full test:

  • The material is shaped into a strip roughly 250 mm long × 20 mm wide × 10 mm high, placed on a nonporous, heat-resistant base plate.

  • A flame is applied to one end for up to 2 minutes (organic materials) or 5 minutes (metals or alloys).

  • The lab observes whether the material ignites, smolders, or propagates the flame.

This process evaluates the flammability of solids and identifies materials that are readily combustible under controlled conditions.

Burning Rate Test Equipment

Applicable Standards

Burn rate and fire train testing follows established regulatory and technical guidelines to ensure reliable classification of readily combustible solids:

  • UN/DOT Section 33 – Classification Procedures, Test Methods, and Criteria for Class 4 materials (Division 4.1).

  • VDI 2263 – Dust Fire and Explosion Protection – German technical guideline for testing the fire behavior of dusts and solid materials.

These standards ensure consistent identification of the flammability of solids and determine the appropriate packing group for safe transport and handling.

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Data Interpretation

The burn rate/fire train test determines whether a material qualifies as a readily combustible solid under Division 4.1:

  • If the material does not ignite, smolder, or propagate flame to the 200 mm mark within the allowed time (2 or 5 minutes), it is not classified as Division 4.1.

  • If the material ignites or smolders and the flame reaches the 200 mm mark, it qualifies as Division 4.1 and undergoes a full burn rate test to determine the appropriate packing group.

Burn rate testing provides critical information on the flammability of solids, helping to:

  • Classify materials for safe transportation

  • Mitigate flash fire hazards from hot embers or frictional heat

  • Assess risks of propellants, pyrotechnics, explosives, and energetic materials

  • Support combustibility classification according to regulatory standards

Burning Rate Test Flow Chart
Burning Rate Test - Reaction Type & Combustibility Class

When to Perform the Burn Rate / Fire Train Test

Even non-explosible materials may be readily combustible solids. Testing is recommended to assess the flammability of solids and ensure safety.

Industries should conduct burn rate testing during:

  • Product development

  • Manufacturing and production

  • Process modifications

  • Routine safety checks

This testing ensures compliance, improves material safety, and helps prevent combustion-related incidents in high-risk industries handling readily combustible solids.

Why Choose Prime Process Safety Center

Prime Process Safety Center brings deep expertise and a commitment to high-quality testing. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Experienced personnel with extensive knowledge in dust combustibility testing

  • Advanced equipment for precise and sensitive burn rate measurements

  • Strict testing protocols that ensure repeatable and defensible results

  • Clear data interpretation and insight tailored to your material or process

Our team works diligently to deliver accurate results that meet regulatory and industry standards—so you can move forward with confidence.

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FAQ

What is the burn rate in the context of combustible materials?

Burn rate refers to the speed at which a substance, typically a solid propellant or explosive material, burns or undergoes combustion under controlled conditions. It is a critical parameter that defines the rate of energy release during combustion.

Why is burn rate testing important for combustible materials?

Burn rate testing is crucial as it provides essential data regarding how fast a material burns or combusts. This information is vital for assessing performance, safety, and reliability in applications such as rocket propulsion, ammunition, pyrotechnics, and other industries dealing with energetic materials.

How is burn rate testing performed for combustible materials?

Burn rate testing involves subjecting a sample of the material to controlled conditions, typically within a test chamber, where its combustion is observed and measured. The test measures the rate at which the material burns or undergoes combustion under specific parameters.

What factors influence the burn rate of combustible materials?

Several factors can influence the burn rate of combustible materials, including the composition of the material, particle size, shape, density, pressure, temperature, and the presence of additives or stabilizers.

How is burn rate data utilized in practical applications?

Burn rate data obtained from testing is crucial for designing and developing propellants, explosives, and energetic materials. This data assists in optimizing formulations, predicting performance under various conditions, ensuring safety, and meeting regulatory compliance.

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